Description
The Komachi Medaka Ricefish (Oryzias latipes “Komachi”), a beautifully refined variety of Japanese Rice Fish, is the perfect addition for peaceful planted aquariums, nano setups, or even patio ponds. Known for its top-down viewing appeal, this variety showcases subtle, elegant coloration and thrives in both freshwater and brackish environments.
Extremely hardy, beginner-friendly, and full of life, Komachi Medaka Ricefish add motion and charm to any aquascape, no matter indoors or outdoors.
At our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Komachi Medaka Ricefish for sale and other freshwater fish for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for more betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies.
Why You’ll Love This Fish:
Top-View Beauty: A favorite for pond-style aquariums or shallow rimless tanks
Hardy and Adaptable: Tolerates a wide range of temperatures and even low salinity
Peaceful and Social: Ideal for community tanks and planted biotopes
Beginner-Friendly: Easy to care for and breed with proper setup
Great for Aquascapes: Enjoyable from above or side viewing angles
Recommended Tank Parameters:
Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum (school of 6+)
Temperature: 64°F – 75°F (18°C – 24°C)
pH: 6.8 – 8.0
Water Type: Freshwater to lightly brackish
Lid/Cover: Recommended because ricefish are jumpers
Tip: Live plants like Hornwort, Anubias, and floating plants help make them feel secure and enhance coloration.
See more details on How to Care for Japanese Rice Fish here.
Feeding & Diet:
Komachi Ricefish are omnivores and accept a variety of fish foods:
Staples: High-quality flakes and micro pellets
Treats: Frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, microworms
Vegetable Matter: Spirulina or blanched greens occasionally
Behavior & Compatibility:
Temperament: Peaceful and social
Best in Groups: Keep in schools of 6 or more for best health and natural activity
Compatible With: Dwarf shrimp, Rasboras, Otocinclus, Corydoras, Snails
Avoid: Fin-nippers or large/aggressive tank mates
Size Information:
Average Adult Size: 0.5 – 1 inch (1.3 – 2.5 cm)
Lifespan: 2 – 4 years with proper care
Origin: Captive-bred, Japan-inspired lineage
Komachi Medaka Ricefish Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are Medaka rice fish so expensive?
Medaka rice fish can be expensive due to limited availability, selective breeding, and their unique color variations, such as Pearl Galaxy or Platinum strains. Some varieties are also difficult to breed and require specialized care, increasing their value in the aquarium trade.
Are Japanese ricefish aggressive?
No, Japanese ricefish are peaceful and non-aggressive. They are tranquil, loosely-schooling fish that do well in community tanks with other calm, similarly sized species, making them ideal for beginner and seasoned aquarists alike.
How big do medaka rice fish get?
Medaka rice fish typically grow to about 1.4 inches (3.6 cm) in length. Their small size makes them ideal for nano tanks, community aquariums, and even outdoor ponds with gentle water flow.



